SQQQ vs VYM
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SQQQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.13% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -43.15% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | -52.88% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -54.48% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -46.13% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SQQQ vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SQQQ returned -52.88% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, SQQQ is down 43.15% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, SQQQ compounded at -54.48% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -46.13% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs -52.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -100.0% for SQQQ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SQQQ charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SQQQ currently yields 9.13% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SQQQ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SQQQ or VYM?
SQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SQQQ or VYM?
Over the past year SQQQ returned -52.88% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SQQQ annualized -52.83% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SQQQ or VYM?
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 48.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SQQQ -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SQQQ and VYM?
SQQQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SQQQ and VYM?
SQQQ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SQQQ or VYM?
SQQQ yields 9.13% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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